The latest airbrushing beauty bit to cross my path calls itself Smashbox Photo Set Finishing Powder with SPF 15 ($28), and it airbrushes with the power of — wait for it — zinc oxide!

Zinc oxide?

Rather than being absorbed into the skin, zinc oxide, an inorganic white powder, acts as a physical sunblock, sitting atop the skin where it reflects rays of UVA and UVB light. Generally considered noncomedogenic (meaning it doesn’t block pores), zinc oxide is also a mild antimicrobial believed to accelerate wound healing. Unfortunately, products containing enough of it can look chalky on darker skin tones.

After wearing Photo Set a few times over the past week, there are some things about the product I think Smashbox really did well. First, the packaging — LOVE the wide jar, which accommodates my big powder brush without making a mess.

Second, it handles oil pretty well. With it on, even after a full day, my forehead, chin and nose (the oiliest parts of my face) are only just beginning to shine.

As for the whole soft focus effect thing, well, I don’t know. It’s hard to say. I haven’t noticed anything when I’ve been out and about, but I think I do detect slightly smoother skin in pictures. The effect isn’t as dramatic as it is with MAC Prep+Prime (which, by the way, is frickin’ fantastic), but I think it’s still there.

Smashbox Photo Set Finishing Powder SPF 15 on face

Unfortunately, Photo Set suffers from the zinc oxide curse — yep, it leaves a slight white cast on my NC35 skin. It’s subtle, though (I wouldn’t call it chalky), and lovelies with lighter skin may not even notice it at all.

But then there’s the price… At first I thought, “Cool! A big jar!” But it’s really not that big. At $28 for 0.17 ounces, Smashbox is actually charging more for less. MAC Prep+ Prime delivers 0.32 ounces for $23, Tarte Smooth Operator costs $28 for 0.32 ounces and Make Up For Ever’s HD Microfinish will set you back $30 for 0.35 oz. All of them work out to more product for less.

All told, Photo Set probably won’t be kicking my beloved MAC Prep+Prime off its pedestal any time soon (Prep+Prime also happens to be SPF 50). It’s pricey, and I’m not too keen on the white cast, but Tabs gives it two paws up for being cruelty-free.

PRICE: $28 for a 0.17-oz. jarAVAILABILITY: At Sephora stores and smashbox.comMAKEUP AND BEAUTY BLOG RATING: B

Wherefore art thou, sleep?

Desperately seeking sleep!

Hello, young lady. I got home late last night from a work dinner in SF and didn’t get to bed until 2, so I’m not feeling entirely coherent today.

Speaking of books (kidding), remember that big book of food essays I started a few days ago? I finally finished it, and now I’m really, really hungry.

I’m so hungry, in fact, that I could eat an entire carrot cake right now, no joke!

I’m with you-nothing beats MAC Prep+Prime for me too.
I stopped for some groceries today, and bought a bag of chocolate covered almonds. Sigh. But they’re good for your heart, right? 😀Tracy recently posted … Maybelline Volum Express One By One Mascara

Tell me something good wah wah (that supposed to be singing – I can’t read that sentence normally has to be sung!) I got an ipod touch today which is def good! Think I will become an apple fangirl 😀 I like the sound of the zinx oxide might help my blemish prone skin… will have a look into that next time I need powder xoxoxstacie recently posted … Fimo cane nail art

Is MAC Prep and Prime really that great? I haven’t had any luck with translucent setting powders like Laura Mercier’s and MUFE’s-even with the lightest hand they end up looking chalky. I’m looking for something that controls oil but doesn’t give a completely matte finish…matte finishes make me look dead. 😀 Heading in to the ‘big city’ Saturday (and the only MAC store in vermont) to pick up some wonder woman collection goodies and am open to suggestions!

I like it a lot. I use it when I’m out and about and for pictures and find it works really well for me. It keeps the oily spots in check, looks really natural on the skin and not too matte. I reviewed it a while back; here’s the link:

Karen, I’m always worried about using these powders with my dry skin. Are the any that you’d recommend for dry skin or do you think it’s just better to stay away from them entirely?

So funny to see Tabs doing that pose. We thought it was a Maine Coon only pose. We call it Rooster’s slut pose and now Shadow copies Rooster – I think he caught on that it get’s him a tummy rub. Tabs looks so content!

I am so glad that I am not the only one who has a problem with seeing a whitish cast from these types of products! The staff at sephora swore up and down the MUFE HD powder was totally transparent. But on my nc40 it definitely is not. Still on the search for my HG setting powder…thanks for the great review!

I have been meaning to place a Smashbox order soon. I may buy this. I am also thinking of repurchasing Bionic Mascara in Indigo Ink. Should I try for a cheaper brand? I used to buy Maybelline Great Lash in Royal Blue, but I stopped because they test on animals.Chris25 recently posted … The Goldmine- Urban Decay Baked

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Have you ever partied with Tabs?

You know what time it is. :) It's time to party with Tabs! -- the world's foremost international playboy tabby (and my feline employer). Kitty model, superstar, dreamer and all around lovable diva extraordinaire. See what he's been loving lately on his blog, partywithtabs.com, or follow his missives and adventures on Twitter.